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The Tokyo Motor Show has come and gone and won’t be back for another two years. If you missed out on all the excitement (and wacky concept cars) then watch AutoGuide’s video wrapup, with ten short spots highlighting all the most exciting new models. If you’re after more in-depth coverage, then see our Tokyo Motor Show page here and see all of our videos at the AutoGuide YouTube page here.
Watch more videos from the Tokyo Motor Show below:
We’ve been going crazy over Toyota‘s GT 86 (or rather, Scion‘s FR-S) and Subaru‘s BRZ, but there’s no denying that Subaru’s BRZ GT300 racer is the coolest of the bunch right now. While it was awesome to get to see the machine at the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show, seeing it in action and on the track is, well, just something else.
The widebody race car couldn’t look more at home on the track, and the Legacy successor for the Super GT series looks poised and ready to represent Subaru quite nicely in the racing series. As it suggests on the YouTube video description, “the challenge begins” for Subaru now to ensure the BRZ GT300 competes as well as it looks.
Make sure to check out the video below. It’s three minutes well spent.
The only non-Japanese car to make our Top 10 cars list of the Tokyo Motor Show, the Volkswagen Cross Coupe Concept was also one of the few true surprises. While a show car, it makes use of an all-new VW platform, an impressive AWD plug-in hybrid system, while also taking a look at the future styling direction of the brand.
On the later note, that’s by no means a bad thing. And while hardly a significant departure from the current VW style guide, the Cross Coupe is certainly an attractive machine.
Built on the brand’s new MQB (modular transverse matrix) platform, the Cross Coupe is the first example of an electric differential with front and rear electric motors that can be “attached” to deliver an all-wheel drive system. VW claims the system can be used for two AWD scenarios, one for added grip and the other for an AWD electric only drive mode with 25 miles of range. (For a more extensive run-down on the system, see our post and video here). Paired with a turbocharged 4-cylinder engine up front, VW claims a total power output of 261-hp and a 0-60 mph time of 7.0 seconds.
Making all this technology all the more significant is that it is being unveiled on a new platform, with the obvious suggestion that both could be paired together in a near-future production model.
AutoGuide was on hand last night for the live reveal of the 2013 Scion FR-S in Los Angeles, where Scion showed off their version of the Toyobaru rear-drive, boxer-powered sports car.
The FR-S is mechanically identical to the Subaru BRZ and Toyota 86, save for a few minor aesthetic changes. Scion was mum about pricing unfortunately, and that seems to be the last question hanging over everyone’s head.
Check out the video below for the live reveal.
Anyone who has seen Japanese car commercials knows they can be a bit odd, to say the least. The 1990′s were chock full of weird celebrity endorsments (Jodie Foster and the Honda Civic, anyone?) but the next trend to hit was having directors treat their ads like art house films – and it’s here to stay.
If this were an American ad, we’d probably have lurid shots of the Subaru BRZ in full opposite-lock mode, with a garbled voiceover detailing the terms and conditions of a special lease offer. But this is Japan, and instead we get slow, tight glimpses of the BRZ while the best in adult alternative EZ-rock plays on screen. Whatever. Hit the mute button and enjoy.
Hit the jump to see the Subaru BRZ commercial.
The sister car to Toyota’s GT 86 sports coupe, the Subaru BRZ and its sibling were both unveiled today at the Tokyo Motor Show. Sharing the same underpinnings and with nearly identical bodywork and interiors, both cars come powered by the same direct-injection 4-cylinder boxer engine delivering around 200-hp.
Find out more about the Subaru BRZ here or by watching the video below:
As expected, Subaru has debuted the production 2013 BRZ at this year’s Tokyo Motor Show and it looks as good in the flesh as it does in the photos. With all the previews and reveals ahead of its official debut, there were no real surprises once the 2013 Subaru BRZ was seen on the show floor.
The joint sports car between Subaru and Toyota showed off its 2.0L Horizontally-Opposed Boxer engine packing 200-hp and 151 lb-ft of torque. The 17-inch wheels look fitting on the sports coupe, while the overall stance of the vehicle is definitely attractive to the eye. Obviously its styling doesn’t exactly scream Subaru out to us, but its flared fenders and rear wheel arches do remind us of typical Subaru.
On the inside, the smaller steering wheel is comfortable to hold and seems fitting for the coupe, while the seats were surprisingly more comfortable than we originally anticipated them to be.
Unfortunately we weren’t able to experience whether or not this BRZ is truly a “Pure Handling Delight”, at least not yet.
See video of the car from its world debut below:
With photos of Subaru‘s new BRZ sports car already floating around the net, perhaps the real star of the Subaru booth at this year’s Tokyo Motor Show is the BRZ Super GT race car. Built to compete in Japan’s Super GT series, in which cars often have little to do with their production versions, the car will compete in the GT300 class replacing the current STI Legacy race car.
As the name suggests, the class horsepower rating sits right around the 300 mark, a 50 percent increase over the production BRZ 2.0-liter 4-cylinder boxer engine.
Discuss this story at SubaruBRZForum.com and see video of the car below:
An alert reader spotted a lightly disguised Subaru BRZ on what appears to be a California freeway. Clad in only a tiny bit of camo, the spy photos don’t reveal much more than we’ve already seen, but are a neat look at the hotly anticipated Subaru sports car.
Aside from the shared RWD platform and 2.0L boxer engine, Subaru hasn’t announced official specs for the car. The BRZ will get its official reveal at the Tokyo Motor Show this week, though official pictures were released earlier.
Check out the gallery below as well as SubaruBRZForum.com for more information.
We’ve already seen one result of the joint project between Toyota and Subaru, the Toyota GT 86, and now we have the official photos of Subaru’s variant, the BRZ. By now, nothing about the BRZ is much of a surprise even though we anxiously await the world debut at the Tokyo Motor Show.
The rear-wheel-drive BRZ will be powered by a 2.0L Horizontally-Opposed Boxer Engine with 200-hp and 151 lb-ft of torque. Transmission options will be either a six-speed automatic or six-speed manual and the sports car will weigh in at 2,689-lbs. More of the focus of the BRZ however is in its handling capabilities and its lightweight chassis, as Subaru aimed for “Pure Handling Delight” with their new sports car.
Throughout the design, Subaru focused on an ultra-low center of gravity, allowing for a low hood design and a perimeter-type body frame layout. On the inside, Subaru gave the BRZ a fun-to-drive notion, outfitting it with a smaller steering wheel, a tachometer with digitally displayed speedometer in the center of the gauges and bespoke sports car seats.
All BRZ models will come standard with 17-inch wheels and tires and electronic stability control. Stay tuned as AutoGuide will be at the Tokyo Motor Show for the official debut with plenty more photos for you to indulge in.
Get more Subaru BRZ news and info at subarubrzforum.com
The production model of the 2013 Subaru BRZ just got official, as seen in the January 2012 issue of Road & Track magazine. It won’t be long until we’ll see the real deal BRZ when it makes its world debut at the Tokyo Motor Show, and it appears that Road & Track got to experience the US-spec model based on these photos.
Powered by a naturally-aspirated 2.0L flat-four with 200-bhp and 151 lb-ft of torque, the BRZ is going to be offered in two trim levels according to Subaru. The base model will sport 16-inch wheels, while the premium model will feature 17-inchers. The excerpt in Road & Track doesn’t really reveal much about the upcoming sports car, stating that it “felt light on its feet and it cornered with confidence.” It did say that the power felt adequate, but struggled climbing hills.
Based on the amber reflectors on the front bumper, the lack of headlight washers and the reverse lights without the red triangle reflector, we can safely assume that this will be the North American version of the BRZ. Hang tight as Autoguide.com will have live photos from the Tokyo Motor Show when the Subaru BRZ officially debuts.
For more information and to discuss the new Subaru BRZ, please visit our Subaru BRZ Forum.
GALLERY: Official Production Subaru BRZ
It’s been two years since Toyota first revealed the FT-86 concept, and after numerous leaks, and even more concept teasers, the production version of the most highly anticipated car in years has been revealed. The very first photos of the production model also come with an announcement of the car’s name: the GT 86. Revealed in Euro-spec, the GT 86 will come with a dual exhaust, a rear spoiler, 17-inch wheels and an ’86 piston’ logo on the fenders.
Inside the cabin is a three-gauge cluster with a larger tachometer, with carbon fiber styled trim, an all black roof, red stitching, aluminum pedals and “aviation-style” switches. Also of note is a 365mm steering wheel – the smallest ever fitted to a Toyota.
With a total displacement of 1,998 ccs, the 4-cylinder direct-injection boxer engine produces 197-hp thanks to twin-injectors and a 12.5:1 compression ratio. Full power comes on at 7000 rpm with 151 lb-ft of torque at 6600 rpm. Toyota promises instant throttle response, with steering to match and, “the kind of performance that appeals to those for whom driving is a passion, not a necessity.”
Look for live photos from the car’s official reveal later this week at the Tokyo Motor Show.
Discuss this story at FR-SForum.com
See video of the GT 86 below:
The North American version of the rear-wheel drive Subaru BRZ sports car will bow at the North American International Auto Show in January, 2012, but what exactly that means is anyone’s guess.
No details regarding changes between the North American version and the rest of the world were announced. The car’s basic layout and 2.0L Boxer 4-cylinder with direct injection will remain, as well as the available 6-speed manual and automatic transmissions. We’re guessing that some trim and equipment may be different – Japanese market vehicles have been known to offer a plethora of trims and options while North American versions generally get one or two distinct trims and option packages, to make ordering easier for dealers (versus the built-to-order phenomenon in Japan).
AutoGuide will be on hand at the Tokyo Auto Show as well, where the first glimpse of the production Subaru BRZ will be available.
Discuss this story at SubaruBRZForum.com
Just a few years ago picking a Top 10 Cars list from the LA Auto Show would have been a simple task, with few world premieres and most of the vehicles on display having already been revealed at some overseas venue. That’s no longer the case, with over 20 global debuts this year. So with a sizable list to choose from, the AutoGuide team sat down at the end of the two media days of press conferences to determine the most exciting, most interesting and most important reveals of the show. And here they are:
From the Fiat 500 to the Smart fortwo and Scion iQ, the mini car segment continues to grow in North America. Not wanting to pass this segment by, Chevrolet has entered the fray with a tiny car of its own, the Spark. Sized down from even the new Sonic sub-compact it still has a livable amount of space and comes powered by an ultra-small 1.2-liter 4-cylinder engine making just 85-hp. Thankfully it weighs just 2,300 lbs, so acceleration, shouldn’t be terrible.
Notable features on this car include a standard 7-inch screen with Chevy’s new MyLink system and Bluetooth. Plus, power windows, air conditioning and 10 airbags come standard.
Giving us our first look at what the production BRZ will look like, Subaru has revealed a concept version of the rear-wheel drive sports car at the LA Auto Show. Sporting styling and performance additions from the brand’s STI division, it’s hard to miss some of the add-ons.
For a full-run down on the car, watch the video below and look for the production version to debut at the Tokyo Motor Show in just a few weeks time.
Watch the video below:
A characteristically un-Subaru Subaru, the BRZ STI concept is our first look at the upcoming production sports car, which was co-developed with Toyota.
Painted in typical WR Blue Pearl (the Subie fanboys wouldn’t have it any other way), as a concept, and an STI concept, it’s a wilder looking version of what we’ll expect from the street car that will bow at the upcoming Tokyo Motor Show.
With a boxer engine that’s low down and front-mid-mounted, the car’s center of gravity is already excellent. This concept improves on that, however, with a carbon fiber roof. Until now all the Toyota FT-86 concepts have sported 17-inch wheels, although this car gets 18s, plus a massive rear spoiler and aggressive front splitter.
Subaru will hold a press conference later today to “officially” announce the car. Stay tuned to see if they release any new details then.
Discuss this story at SubaruBRZForum.com
See AutoGuide’s complete 2011 LA Auto Show Coverage here
See video of the BRZ Sti Concept below:
Subaru revealed some new details about their BRZ Concept-STI today, chief among them the addition of a carbon fiber roof to lower weight and the vehicle’s center of gravity.
Along with the roof, the sports car, clad in Subaru’s iconic WR Blue Pearl paint, gets a unique front spoiler and rear wing, a rear diffuser and an 18″ wheel and tire package (215/45R18 in front , 225/45R18 in the Rear. Also in the cards are Brembo brakes, a staple of STI cars and an “STI tuned suspension”. We’ll have live reveal pictures later on, so check back for more coverage of the Los Angeles Auto Show.
Discuss this story at SubaruBRZForum.com
This year’s LA Auto Show will give us a look at the Subaru BRZ Concept, and even though we don’t even have finalized details on the upcoming vehicle, Subaru has already announced that the BRZ will represent them in the 2012 Super GT Championship in Japan. Obviously Subaru has a long heritage of racing in Japan, and the BRZ will compete in the GT300 class replacing the current STI Legacy B4.
It’s obvious that both Toyota’s FT-86 and Subaru’s BRZ will become the next-generation of popular sports cars, and fielding some entries in Japan’s popular racing series will do wonders in garnering attention towards the new vehicle. Currently it’s believed that the production BRZ will feature a 2.0L naturally-aspirated, four-cylinder boxes engine with around 200-hp (same as what’s found in the FT-86). We’re still keeping our fingers crossed for a turbocharged variant to truly carry on the STI namesake.
[Source: egmCarTech]
Subaru has already teased its new BRZ STI concept numerous times, but now comes the very first image of what the production car will look like. Set to debut at the Tokyo Motor Show at the end of the month, rumors have indicated the BRZ could produce as much as 300-hp from a turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, although Subaru is sticking to its story of a naturally aspired 2.0-liter shared with the Toyota FT-86, making 197-hp.
Certain to have edgier styling than the Toyota, we’ll await further details from the STI Concept unveiling at the LA Auto Show.
See AutoGuide’s complete 2011 Tokyo Motor Show preview here
Discuss this story at SubaruBRZForum.com
Following on from some images of the upcoming Scion FR-S (Toyota FT-86 in other markets), detailed specifications have now been leaked from a reported actual Toyota training manual onto the web, via enthusiast site FT86Club.com
If the information that’s surfaced is in fact accurate, then the specs of the rear-drive coupe look something like this: Two trim levels (at least in Japan); including a base and higher performance variant (the latter with a standard limited slip rear differential, leather steering wheel, white faced gauges, six-speaker premium sound system and LED lighting); a choice of manual gearbox or automatic transmission; a standard 197 horsepower 2.0-liter dual overhead cam boxer four cylinder engine that requires premium unleaded fuel; curb weight in the vicinity of 2,700 lbs (fairly light for a modern coupe of this ilk) and a choice of different wheel and tire combinations (16-inch wheels on base cars, 17-inchers on the others).
In addition there’s also reportedly a “Customize Grade” variant with a very basic interior, unpainted bumpers and steel 16-inch wheels, though, as with other Japanese performance cars in the past, this one is likely aimed at JDM racers and hardcore motorsports enthusiasts, which means it probably won’t be showing up in Scion showrooms anytime soon.
Given the drip feed of leaked information we’ve been experiencing with the FR-S/FT-86 in recent weeks, it’ll be interesting to see what else comes to light before the car makes it’s official debut. Stay tuned for any further developments.
[Source:FT86Club.com]
Discuss this story at FR-SForum.com
Just a day after the first leaked photos of the Toyota FT-86, numerous other pictures of the highly-anticipated sports car have hit the net. Even juicier than the last time, these pics appear to be of the official production car, and not of the Modellista version.
Staying true to the design of the original concept, there are some more dramatic styling cues, particularly on the front of the car. The rear, however, is somewhat the opposite, losing some of the hard lines in favor of a more rounded end.
When it is officially unveiled at the Tokyo Auto Show in late November, look for a 2.0-liter direct-injection 4-cylinder under the hood with a healthy 7500 rpm redline. Weighing close to 2500 lbs, expect a 0-60 mph time of 7.0 seconds. All models are expected to come from the factory with a push-button ignition and a limited slip differential.
Curious what it’s like to drive? Then read some of the first impressions here.
[Source: CarScoop]
Discuss this story at FR-SForum.com
With photos leaking yesterday, today comes news of what the Toyota FT-86 is like to drive. But first, the specs. According to one of the journos at CAR Magazine, who had some seat time in the affordable sports car, look for the 2.0-liter to boxer 4-cylinder to develop around 200-hp and 170 lb-ft of torque. The car’s curb weight should be around 2,645 lbs, although the final production number has yet to be released and will differ from market to market. That said, look for a 0-60 time of around 7 seconds.
As for the driving experience, it’s good says CAR‘s Ben Barry after a first-drive of a prototype model. In fact, he says it, “trounces its closest rival, the Mazda MX-5, in the fun stakes.” That’s quite a statement.
Highlights include throttle response and steering with a rev-happy 7500 rpm redline, a soft rev limiter and a close-ratio 6-speed manual transmission. Less impressive is the feel of the shifter and the car’s willingness to understeer at higher speeds. Also in the negative column is the ‘Sport’ setting for the stability control system, which is still too intrusive – although engineers are reportedly working on a less restrictive version. And finally, there’s the Torsen limited slip differential, rather than a mechanical one, although Toyota engineers are reportedly also planning on offering a version with a mechanical LSD, as well as other upgraded components, like Brembo brakes.
The drive was of a prototype model and Toyota intended to use the info to help develop the final production version, so we’ll await our first chance behind the wheel and relay our impressions as soon as possible.
Under neath the bodywork is a MacPherson front end and a double wishbone rear suspension setup and the test car even had pricey Sachs shocks. The car’s weight balance is projected to be around 53/47.
Other items of note is a standard keyless ignition system, while a six-speed automatic will be offered, reportedly based on the 8-speed in the IS-F, so look for some pretty quick shifts.
[Source: CAR]
Discuss this story at FR-SForum.com
Dying to know what the production Toyota FT-86 will look like? Here’s the closest look yet.
These scanned images are from a Modellista brochure; Modellista being an in-house tuning arm of Toyota. That said, it’s not the production version that will debut at the upcoming Tokyo Motor Show, but a modified version of the car, sporting an aero kit and several other accessories.
By the looks of it, the car will stay close to the original concept, though the rend end seems to have changed more significantly. Inside, the brochure photos show what appears to be a high-grip seating surface with impressive red stitching on black seats. Other highlights include a push-button ignition and a redline of around 7500 rpm.
When it does debut at the Tokyo Auto Show in just over a month’s time, the car is expected to make roughly 200-hp from a direct-injection 4-cylinder boxer engine. More recent reports indicate that the FT-86 will have the lowest center of gravity of any production car and a curb weight of around 2,500 lbs.
[Source: 7Tune]
Discuss this story at FR-SForum.com
Fanboys have been waiting for its arrival almost as long as Christians have been waiting for the second coming and now, lovers of Toyota‘s FT-86 sports car have a new way of passing the time until it arrives. Proving that there really is an App for everything, Toyota has just launched the “FT-86 World Report” App. Get ready to be disappointed.
It doesn’t let you race the FT-86 on the Nurburgring, or go behind the scenes of the creation or design of the car, or even have a great teaser of its exhaust note. Nope. Instead, the App let’s you digitally add a rendering of the FT-86 onto a photo you take and then upload it to the FT-86WorldREport.com website. Perhaps the only genuinely interesting part of this app is that you can see just how many others are as excited as you are about Toyota’s new affordable sports car.
Toyota will debut the FT-86 at the Tokyo Auto Show on November 30, with it’s sister car, the Subaru BRZ being unveiled the same day. The U.S. market Scion FR-S is expected to be unveiled at the New York Auto Show next spring.
Available for iPhone4, 4S and iPad2, download the app today here.
Watch the video after the jump:
: 2011 LA Auto Show "Pin It")
